For the lucky ones who are not current residents or homeowners in Houston, yet feeling absolutely helpless and sick with worry, here are three Houston-based charities (that I trust) that I have donated to in the past/ am donating to now. (We all know of the national, well-known charities, so I wanted to share some local ones.)

Quilters are such a giving bunch and I know a number of quilt fundraisers will be launching in the future to collectively give more cash, but right now–whatever we can immediately give out of our own checking accounts is what we need to do. So here goes with a very shortlist of local charities I like to give to and trust:

1). Houston Food Bank -They know how to spread the dollar to give as much food and water to distribute to people in need.

2). Friends for Life (the no-kill shelter for the Pet Postcard Project). FFL is working with the city of Houston’s- BARC program to rescue animals and keep them safe. There are also FFL reps on hand at the GRB to keep pets cared for.

I just left Houston prior to this storm. Even though I am not a homeowner anymore, I spend minimally one week out of every month in Houston, and I store all of my books there. I cannot get back to Houston soon enough; like everyone else, I am absolutely heartbroken and sick about what people are enduring. Until I can get back and volunteer somehow, I am sending what cash I can.

16 Comments

With your permission I’d like to link your post to the one I put up on my blog which has more resources for donation. All these entities work together to triage the resources and get them to where they are most needed. This is going to be a long-term situation. We really need to pull together for the long-haul.

Through your post Poky, that even though there some of us who live in different countries, many are experiencing extremes with weather conditions. In BC., in Canada we have experienced both record flooding in the spring and now fires unlike anything in BC’s history, with lives and homes lost.
These situations remind me as you have asked to give as we can, in whatever way and to know that we are one humanity.

Thank you so very much for the three places for donating to help Houston. I had looked around on line last night for a dog/animal rescue so I am so thankful you sent this out today. Money has been sent.

Hi Pokey,
For posting the true places to donate funds to help the victims and animals of Harvey. I made a donation to “friends for life”, I don’t know what I would do without my furbaby Rosie, I can’t imagine people having to leave the dogs behind it’s so sad. At least if the dogs, cats are taking care of there is a chance their humans will comeback for them when they are able.😢🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾🐾🐶🐱

Thanks so much Pokey! I also have been riveted to the news of Houston and the area, via KHOU tv. And have been praying for the dear people in their little houses that filled with water. And all the terrified kids and animals. I think of my parents who were in the same little house …forever… I can’t imagine them losing that and escaping with only the clothes they were wearing. 🙁
It’s so completely beyond comprehension….for people to lose everything with no insurance. Especially for older folks.
I’m actually planning on going down to help when things calm down a bit. They will need everything to recover. It will take an army of helpers.
Who could prepare for 50 inches of rain? This is a much bigger disaster than people can comprehend..
Thanks for giving us a focus to send some money to. And thanks for including the animals in your caring.